Many years ago gospel meetings were well attended by members of the church and by other brethren from area congregations. It was times of excitement and anticipation because of the fellowship of brethren, and because we expected souls to be saved. Some have lamented those days and wish for them to return. I am convinced that they can return, but it all depends on us. How?

We can be excited about the preaching of the gospel. I know that preachers who hold meetings are excited about meetings and opportunities to preach God’s word. I have often seen preachers come with excitement, and go home more discouraged because the hearers (us) have not responded with excitement and enthusiasm. Consider these facts — when we fail to attend services for whatever reason, singing is not as good as it can be, because not as many voices are praising God. That discourages those that are here, it discourages the preacher, and our enthusiasm is not all it can be. It also shows to visitors. If we are excited about the church, about the preaching of the gospel, then it will have an impact on those that visit.

When we are apathetic toward the preaching of the gospel, when we don’t care about praising God, when we discourage our brethren by our failure to attend then we show the world that the gospel is not as important to us as we say it is. (As always, I am not talking about those who can’t attend due to health problems, but those who can attend and choose not to). There are times when we need to be honest with ourselves and ask if the preaching of the gospel is as important as we say it is.

Brethren, the success of a gospel meeting depends on us and on our attitude. This year God has given us three opportunities to preach the Word. What will our attitude be? Will we encourage, or discourage? This is one thing that truly is up to us!